The Fallen Ascended: Unmasking Aatrox’s Past Before Corruption
Before becoming the Darkin Blade, Aatrox was a revered and noble warrior of Shurima, a member of the Ascended. These beings, empowered by the Sun Disc, were tasked with protecting and guiding their civilization. He was known for his unwavering righteousness, strategic brilliance, and unparalleled martial prowess, fighting tirelessly for the glory and prosperity of Shurima. His name then, and the ideals he represented, were a beacon of hope against the Void.
The Golden Age and Aatrox’s Rise
Shurima, in its prime, was a marvel of civilization. Its advancements in magic, technology, and culture were unmatched. At the heart of this empire stood the Ascended, god-like beings blessed with immense power and responsibility. They were the protectors of the realm, the champions against the horrors that threatened to engulf their world.
Aatrox stood among the most celebrated of these warriors. Stories of his bravery and skill in battle were widespread. He possessed not only immense strength but also a tactical mind that allowed him to outmaneuver his enemies. He fought with an unwavering conviction, believing in the righteousness of Shurima and the importance of defending it against all threats. He truly believed he was fighting for a better future for all. His leadership in countless campaigns against the encroaching Void solidified his legend and cemented his place as a hero of Shurima. He was more than a warrior; he was a symbol of hope.
The Void War and the Turning Point
The Void War was a cataclysmic event that tested the limits of Shurima’s strength. The forces of the Void, beings of pure entropy and destruction, threatened to consume everything in their path. The Ascended, including Aatrox, rose to meet this challenge. They fought tirelessly, pushing back the tide of darkness with their incredible power.
However, the Void War took a terrible toll. The constant exposure to the Void’s corrupting influence began to warp the Ascended, both physically and mentally. Though they initially resisted, slowly some of them began to succumb. The horrors they witnessed, the endless battles, and the sheer scale of the destruction began to erode their sanity. The Ascended were supposed to be the bulwark against such threats, but the Void’s nature was such that it preyed on their very essence, turning them into something unrecognizable.
The Whisper of Corruption
While the Ascended initially fought with valor and determination, the unrelenting nature of the Void began to sow discord. The constant exposure to its corrupting energies chipped away at their minds, twisting their perceptions and amplifying their fears. Some Ascended began to question their purpose, their methods, and even their sanity. This internal struggle made them increasingly vulnerable to the Void’s influence.
For Aatrox, the experience was particularly devastating. Witnessing countless deaths and unimaginable horrors shattered his idealism. The line between protector and destroyer began to blur, as he found himself resorting to increasingly brutal tactics to stem the tide of the Void. The initial zeal that drove him began to morph into a grim determination, fueled by a growing sense of despair. The seeds of the Darkin were being sown.
The Fall: From Ascended to Darkin
The culmination of the Void War saw the Ascended transformed into the Darkin. Their bodies and minds were warped by the Void’s corrupting influence, turning them into monstrous parodies of their former selves. Aatrox, once a noble warrior, became a being of pure rage and destruction, consumed by an insatiable bloodlust.
The exact details of Aatrox’s fall are shrouded in mystery. Some accounts suggest he succumbed to a specific Void entity, while others claim he was driven mad by the sheer weight of the war. Regardless of the precise cause, the result was undeniable: Aatrox was no longer the hero of Shurima. He was now a threat to all of Runeterra, a Darkin consumed by an endless hunger for battle and bloodshed. The golden god was gone, replaced by the bloody visage of war itself. The Ascended were no longer saviors, they were demons.
The corruption was so complete that the original Aatrox, the noble warrior, was essentially erased. In his place stood a being driven by a single, all-consuming purpose: to bring about the end of all things. This nihilistic desire, coupled with his immense power, made him one of the most dangerous beings in Runeterra.
The Aspects of Twilight were forced to intervene, using celestial magic to imprison Aatrox and his kin within their weapons. This act, though necessary to save Runeterra, was also a tragedy, as it sealed the fate of these once-noble beings. Aatrox was now trapped, his consciousness bound to the blade that bore his name, forever yearning for release and revenge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Aatrox’s Past
1. What was Aatrox’s role in Shuriman society before becoming a Darkin?
Aatrox was a highly respected and influential member of Shuriman society, revered as a protector and warrior of immense skill and moral character.
2. How did the Ascended become so powerful?
The Ascended were empowered by the Sun Disc, a celestial artifact that granted them immense magical abilities and physical strength. The process was transformative, elevating them to near-godhood.
3. What were the Ascended’s responsibilities?
Their main responsibilities were to protect Shurima from external threats, guide its people, and ensure its prosperity. They acted as leaders, protectors, and symbols of hope.
4. What was the Void War and how did it affect the Ascended?
The Void War was a catastrophic conflict between Shurima and the forces of the Void. The constant exposure to the Void’s corrupting energies twisted the Ascended, leading to their transformation into the Darkin.
5. How did the Void corrupt the Ascended?
The Void’s influence eroded their minds, amplified their fears, and twisted their perceptions. The constant exposure to its destructive energy gradually warped their bodies and souls, making them susceptible to its corrupting influence.
6. Were all the Ascended corrupted into Darkin?
Not all, but a significant portion of the Ascended succumbed to the Void’s corruption and became Darkin. The survivors either resisted completely or faced other, unknown fates.
7. What is the difference between an Ascended and a Darkin?
Ascended were noble protectors, empowered by the Sun Disc. Darkin are corrupted versions of the Ascended, twisted by the Void and consumed by rage and destruction.
8. Was Aatrox considered one of the strongest Ascended?
Yes, Aatrox was considered one of the strongest and most skilled warriors among the Ascended, renowned for his martial prowess and strategic brilliance.
9. What happened to Aatrox after he became a Darkin?
After becoming a Darkin, Aatrox wreaked havoc across Runeterra, spreading war and destruction. Eventually, he was imprisoned within his own weapon by the Aspects of Twilight.
10. How did Aatrox get trapped in his blade?
The Aspects of Twilight used their celestial magic to bind Aatrox and the other Darkin to their weapons, effectively imprisoning them.
11. Is the sword that Aatrox wields his original weapon?
It is implied that the sword is not his original weapon, but rather a vessel created to contain his corrupted essence. He reshapes the bodies of those who wield it into a grotesque caricature of his former glory, a physical manifestation of his despair.
12. Can Aatrox be considered entirely evil, or is there still some trace of his former self within him?
While Aatrox is overwhelmingly consumed by rage and destruction, hints of his former nobility may linger deep within him. His constant lament over his fallen state suggests a degree of awareness and regret.
13. What is Aatrox’s ultimate goal?
Aatrox seeks to end all existence, believing that only through complete annihilation can he escape his suffering and the memory of his past glory. He desires a final death for himself and the entire world.
14. Are there other Darkin besides Aatrox?
Yes, there are other Darkin besides Aatrox, though many have been either destroyed or remain imprisoned. Rhaast is another well-known Darkin.
15. Is there any hope for Aatrox to be redeemed or cured of his corruption?
Given the depth of his corruption and his nihilistic desires, redemption seems highly unlikely. The Void’s influence is so profound that it has fundamentally altered his very being. While not impossible, it would require a force of unimaginable power and a willingness on Aatrox’s part to confront his past.